HELP FOR HOUSTON BURN VICTIMS COMES FROM TRAGEDY

August 21, 2008 12:00 AM

Burn survivor Mauricio Aguilar, 5, center, of Mexico shares a moment with Justina Page during the After Burns Club support group meeting for burn victims and their families organized by Justina Page at Shriners Burns Hospital in Galveston on Aug. 16, in Galveston. To Mauricio's left is his father, Jesus Aguilar, of Mexico, and at far left is Jose Tapia, 13, of Mexico. Page started the Amos House of Faith, named after her son who died in a fire. less

Burn survivor Mauricio Aguilar, 5, center, of Mexico shares a moment with Justina Page during the After Burns Club support group meeting for burn victims and their families organized by Justina Page at Shriners ... more

In 1999, Justina Page lost her 22-month-old son Amos in a house fire. She almost lost her own life, too, trying to rescue the boy. Page runs Amos House's After Burns Club, a support group for burn survivors and their families. Members of the club meet at Shriners hospitals in Houston and Galveston on Saturdays to talk and play and strengthen each other. less

In 1999, Justina Page lost her 22-month-old son Amos in a house fire. She almost lost her own life, too, trying to rescue the boy. Page runs Amos House's After Burns Club, a support group for burn survivors and ... more

Photo: SHARÓN STEINMANN, CHRONICLE

In 1999, Justina Page lost her 22-month-old son Amos in a house...photo-1438261.24721 - |ucfirst

Justina Page visits burn patient Eric Jastram, 24, of Sugar Land at Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston. In the 1999 fire that killed her son, Page suffered third-degree burns over much of her body.

Justina Page visits burn patient Eric Jastram, 24, of Sugar Land at Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston. In the 1999 fire that killed her son, Page suffered third-degree burns over much of her body.

Burn survivor Keren Martinez, 17, of Galveston listens as Justina Page leads the After Burns Club support group meeting at Shriners Burns Hospital in Galveston. Page spent 2 1/2 months in the hospital. She underwent so many surgeries she lost count. less

Burn survivor Keren Martinez, 17, of Galveston listens as Justina Page leads the After Burns Club support group meeting at Shriners Burns Hospital in Galveston. Page spent 2 1/2 months in the hospital. She ... more

Burn survivor Mauricio Aguilar, 5, of Mexico plays air hockey during the After Burns Club meeting organized by Justina Page at Shriners Burns Hospital in Galveston. Page is raising funds for her latest project: a 5-bedroom "family room" near the Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center that would provide support services and temporary lodging for caretakers of burn patients. less

Burn survivor Mauricio Aguilar, 5, of Mexico plays air hockey during the After Burns Club meeting organized by Justina Page at Shriners Burns Hospital in Galveston. Page is raising funds for her latest project: ... more

Dora Martinez, 32, of Galveston, left, participates in an activity with volunteer Candace Cotton at After Burns Club meeting for burn victims and their families at Shriners Burns Hospital for Children in Galveston. At center is burn victim Keren Martinez, 17, also of Galveston. less

Dora Martinez, 32, of Galveston, left, participates in an activity with volunteer Candace Cotton at After Burns Club meeting for burn victims and their families at Shriners Burns Hospital for Children in ... more

Michael Hockless, 9, of Houston, who was burned by a space heater, sits with other burn victims and their families at a support group meeting at Shriners Hospital for Children in Houston. Burn injuries are not only excruciatingly painful, but can also be as disfiguring psychologically as they are physically. "Things change forever, all at once," Page said. "You're not who you were before." less

Michael Hockless, 9, of Houston, who was burned by a space heater, sits with other burn victims and their families at a support group meeting at Shriners Hospital for Children in Houston. Burn injuries are not ... more

Photo: Sharon Steinmann, Chronicle

Michael Hockless, 9, of Houston, who was burned by a space heater,...photo-1438266.24721 - |ucfirst

Dora Martinez, 32, of Galveston wears the "silly hat" as Justina Page leads the After Burns Club support group meeting for burn victims and their families at Shriners Burns Hospital for Children in Galveston.

Dora Martinez, 32, of Galveston wears the "silly hat" as Justina Page leads the After Burns Club support group meeting for burn victims and their families at Shriners Burns Hospital for Children in Galveston.

Burn survivor Mauricio Aguilar, 5, center, of Mexico shares a moment with Justina Page during the After Burns Club support group meeting for burn victims and their families organized by Justina Page at Shriners Burns Hospital in Galveston on Aug. 16, in Galveston. To Mauricio's left is his father, Jesus Aguilar, of Mexico, and at far left is Jose Tapia, 13, of Mexico. Page started the Amos House of Faith, named after her son who died in a fire. less

Burn survivor Mauricio Aguilar, 5, center, of Mexico shares a moment with Justina Page during the After Burns Club support group meeting for burn victims and their families organized by Justina Page at Shriners ... more